Decker has received a non-roster invitation to spring training with the Padres, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. The team's Vice President of Player Development, Randy Smith, said, "If he can become proficient enough behind the plate, it would improve his chances as a right-handed power bat that can fill in at first base, catcher and occasionally in the outfield."

Decker finally broke through to the majors in 2015 after spending the better part of four seasons at Triple-A, but he failed to record a base hit in eight games with the big club, striking out five times in 12 plate appearances. His production with El Paso before the promotion was right in line with what he has done throughout his minor league career, as he turned in an .823 OPS with 21 home runs — his fourth season on the farm with 20-plus homers and a 10 percent walk rate. However, the Padres, apparently not seeing the possibility of another level to his game, decided to outright the 28-year-old ahead of November's Rule 5 roster deadline. Decker latched on with the Royals after signing a minor league deal during the winter.